How to become an Integrated Rating
Integrated ratings carry out maintenance and lookout duties on the decks and in the engine rooms of merchant ships.
Personal requirements for an Integrated Rating
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Enjoy manual activities
- Able to pass a medical examination and eyesight test
- Normal colour vision
- Enjoy life at sea
- Mechanical aptitude
Education & Training for an Integrated Rating
To become an integrated rating you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information.You can become an integrated rating through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
In addition, you will need to complete nine months of sea time on board a seagoing ship prior to being awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Integrated Rating by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).Integrated ratings must be over 18 years of age at the time of completing their qualifications. In order to serve on board a ship, you will need to qualify for and obtain an AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness.
Duties & Tasks of an Integrated Rating
Integrated ratings:
- Maintain deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and firefighting appliances
- Assist with standing lookout at sea, and alert deck officers when other vessels, navigation marks or hazards are sighted
- Steer the ship under supervision
- Secure cargoes and splice wires and ropes
- Handle rope and wire mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the ship is berthing and unberthing
- Maintain the cleanliness of decks and structures
- Remove rust from, treat and paint the ship's sides and structures
- Assist with maintaining watch in the ship's engine room
- Assist with maintaining and repairing the ship's engines and mechanical equipment
- Participate in safety drills under the direction of the ship's officers
- Clean the ship's cargo compartment and the fresh water, ballast and oil tanks.
Tasks
- Handles ropes and wires, and operates mooring equipment when berthing and unberthing.
- Performs routine maintenance and checks on deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and fire fighting appliances.
- Stands lookout watches at sea and adjusts the ship's course as directed.
- Assists with cargo operations using on-board equipment and stows and secures cargo.
- Patrols ships to ensure safety of the vessel, cargo and passengers.
Working conditions for an Integrated Rating
When steering the ship, on lookout duty or on watch, integrated ratings work under the direction of the officer of the watch. When in the engine room, they work under the direction of engineering officers. Integrated ratings may be required to work in confined spaces following safety protocols.
Employment Opportunities for an Integrated Rating
Integrated ratings work on coastal and overseas ships. There is a relatively small number of ships in the Australian merchant fleet, so positions can be competitive. There is an increasing demand for integrated ratings in the Australian offshore oil and gas industry.
Specializations
Integrated Rating
Integrated ratings carry out maintenance and lookout duties on the decks and in the engine rooms of merchant ships.
Average age
39 years
Future Growth
Stable
Gender Share
12% female
Average full-time
58 hours
Weekly Pay
Unavailable
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Higher Unemployment
Full-Time Share
78% Full-Time
Employment Size
2,700 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 0.3%
NSW: 27.4%
NT: 1.9%
QLD: 27.6%
SA: 5.8%
TAS: 6.7%
VIC: 9.7%
WA: 20.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 5.1%
20-24: 11.3%
25-34: 24.8%
35-44: 20.7%
45-54: 22.4%
55-59: 8.6%
60-64: 4.4%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.2%
Bachelor degree: 8.5%
Certificate III/IV: 35.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.6%
Year 10 and below: 18.5%
Year 11: 5.5%
Year 12: 18.7%
